Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Koharu biyoru” | Indian Summer by Ishihara, Hideo
Dimensions: 11-1/2” h
This particular doll has a motif based on nature and textile design which he particularly loves, as with this Kokeshi portrays a young female character with differing hairstyles, (traditional and 1950s era). As with this doll, he emphasizes a red lacquered Kimono with a textured design utilizing a simple wild flower relief on the front of the doll and brings out the true nature of the form through manipulation of the turned and carved wood. She exhibits a Bob hairstyle and a simple and understated sumi-e’ drawing of the face with a ‘one-stroke eye’, (Hitofude- me). The piece is signed on the bottom by the artist.
For further information see our section entitled Artisan | Woodworker: Ishihara, Hideo | 1925 - 1999
Condition: Very Good with a professional, (Ishihara apprentice), repaired crack in the back of the head which does not distract from the stability of the doll or its enjoyment and remains the original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina and commensurate with age. This restoration was done because of the uniqueness and inventiveness of the lacquer work treatment. The piece meets all the standards of Sosaku Kokeshi collectibles.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Ishihara, Hideo | 1925 - 1999
Origin:
Ishihara-san, born in Tokyo in 1925 was a highly influential Sosaku Kokeshi artist and began his career by making Traditional Narugo dolls in 1957. His grandfather was the famous artist Onuma Iwatao, of Narugo Onsen, Miyagi, and creator of the "Naruko Kokeshi". After graduating from University, Ishihara-san was under medical care for more than ten years, during which time he studied painting. Upon recovering from his illness, he began making Sosaku Kokeshi, and in a ten-year period (1959-1969), he received more than sixty awards, including the highest honor, the Prime Minister’s Award. He was introduced to the twenty-three countries in Europe and America by NHK. He has sponsored 30 exhibitions in Japan including those at Matsuzakaya Nagoya and Ginza, and four exhibitions in overseas countries. He was one of the founders of the Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Ishihara-san’s dolls are based on many motifs found in nature and textile design. He loves portraying both young and old characters with differing hairstyles, (traditional and 1950s era). He illustrates numerous kimono styles in both painted form and carving and utilizes simple graphic treatment to emphasize the strong character of his dolls, which bring out the true nature of the wood materials through manipulation of the turned and carved wood. His dolls are always finished in a simple wax coating. It is also not unusual to see him utilize sumi-e’ drawing of faces that have both the ‘one-stroke eye’, (Hitofude-me), as well as a variation of traditional doll eye treatments.
Artist's signature:
